While college may cause headaches for some, Middlesex Communit College helped her on the road to recovery

Adriana Guy's firsthand experience with doctors and nurses in high school helped her select a career path. The Middlesex Community College student expects to graduate in May with a degree in Medical Assisting.

During her freshman year of high school, the 21-year-old Lowell resident was diagnosed with vestibular migraines, a nervous-system disorder that causes severe headaches and dizziness.

"I felt like I was on the fastest spinning ride, nonstop," Guy said. "I also had pseudo-seizures and developed severe anxiety."

The illness left her unable to attend high school. At first, Guy was home-tutored, but she was failing her courses. Then, during her junior year, she enrolled in an online high school and things began to turn around.

She improved her grades and graduated sooner than her high-school peers. This spring, after graduating from MCC, she plans to work as a medical assistant before continuing her education to become a pediatric nurse.

"During the time of my illness, I was in and out of various doctors' offices and hospitals," said Guy, who now manages her illness through medication. "I remember the staff, the medical assistants and nurses who made me feel better, and I want to be able to help someone that way, too."

Her path to MCC was well-thought out, also.

"I chose Middlesex because I wanted to start classes slowly while dealing with my illness," Guy said. "Also, since I had been enrolled in an online high school, I didn't want to jump right into a four-year school.

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MCC seemed to have the right path for me to become comfortable with college."

But Guy got more than comfortable She jumped right into extracurricular activities, joining clubs and looking for leadership opportunities.

"I love the community here at MCC, the resources available for students, the clubs and activities, and the overall support the college offers," she said. "Middlesex changed my life in many ways. I didn't think I would be successful in college, but MCC helped prove me wrong."

Guy is currently president of the Medical Assisting Club and is a past member of the Middlesex Activities Crew, and the Multicultural Achievement Peer Program.

The highlight of her college experience so far was attending the annual Diversity Summit, a multiday, off-campus experience held in Maine.

"I felt like I learned a lot more about myself and others at the summit," she said. "When I came back, I felt like a new person, more open to be myself."

Over the past few years, Guy has faced obstacles that might have broken many other young people. Instead, she's proud to have persevered -- even when she wanted to give up -- and has used those obstacles to push harder toward her goals.

"I learned that no matter what challenges you face, there is always a chance to conquer them," she said.

For more information about MCC's Medical Assisting Program, contact Claudia Guillen at GUILLENC@middlesex. mass.edu or 978-656-3024.

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